The proposed new multi-year Red Deer County budget was presented to councillors on Nov. 24, with the municipality now seeking public input pending the next council meeting.
The budget covers 2016-2018 operating expenditures and 2016-2020 capital expenditures. It calls for the maintenance of current service levels with no tax increase.
“Administration has been especially mindful of council's long term vision while budgeting and has ensured adequate resources are available to achieve success,” county manager Curtis Herzberg said in a briefing note to council.
“We have maintained current service levels with no increase to current taxes. This multi-year budget focuses on maintaining key infrastructure such as roads, bridges and water supply lines and reservoirs.”
Under the proposed budget, the county would spend $75,902,588 in 2016, including $29,662,382 on capital projects and $45,624,940 on operating. That compares with 2015 where total expenditures are $60,331,962, including $18,003,832 on capital projects and $41,573,451 on operating.
In 2017 the total would fall to $64,551,431, with $19,982,00 on capital and $44,206,991 on operating. In 2018 the total would be $65,830,454, with $21,671,000 on capital projects and $44,159,454 on operating.
“In 2016, we see a significant jump in capital, primarily due to our bridge infrastructure deficit,” said Herzberg. “Over the next five years we will average $5 million worth of repairs and re-construction to maintain our inventory. Administration is hopeful that we may see provincial funding to support that as opposed to funding from reserves.
“Other capital and operating expenses do not represent any significant change to service levels, with the exception of the new safety codes permitting department. The new service level is self-funded with no impact to taxation levels.”
Key initiatives outlined for 2016 include $4.2 million on bridge repairs, $6.4 million on the road paving program, $1.7 million on airport capital expansion, $1.1 million on Sylvan Lake multiplex contribution (over two years), and $3.5 million for the Spruce View reservoir.
Under the budget 2016 would see no changes in special levies, the environmental levy remaining at 0.1590, protective services at 0.5000, and community services at 0.4000.
“For budget purposes, we have predicted a revenue amount to enable spending and have concluded that there is no amendment to taxation rates at this time,” he said. Administration predicts a two per cent increase to overall assessment figures due simply to growth in 2015.
“This is an achievable and fair budget. It ties in very closely to the strategic plan for the county, maintaining current service levels and being prepared for future development.
“A key component to the budget is maintenance of our current infrastructure such as bridges, roads, water and sewer systems and buildings.”
In a press release issued following the tabling of the budget on Nov. 24, Mayor Jim Wood said: “This multi-year budget reflects a focus on maintaining key infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and water services, without unfairly burdening our ratepayers. I would like to thank the staff and council for their hard work in creating this progressive multi-year budget.”
Director of corporate services Heather Gray added: “Administration has been especially mindful of council's long-term vision while creating the county's first multi-year budget, and has ensured adequate resources are available to achieve success. We have acted on council's direction in creating a multi-year plan.”
Public input is now being sought on the budget, which can be found in full at www.rdcounty.ca. The budget will be back before council on Dec. 8 for possible approval.
This multi-year budget reflects a focus on maintaining key infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and water services, without unfairly burdening our ratepayer."Jim WoodRed Deer County mayor
